Ciarb Kenya and AJS Strengthen Partnership Through Webinar on People-Centred Justice

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) Kenya Branch continues to deepen its collaboration with key justice sector stakeholders as it prepares to participate as a Strategic Partner in the upcoming 4th Annual Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) Conference 2026.

As part of this growing partnership, Ciarb Kenya, in collaboration with the Judiciary’s Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) Secretariat, will host a timely and insightful webinar on Thursday, 11th June 2026, focusing on the evolving role of arbitration, mediation, and alternative justice systems in advancing access to justice.

Webinar Theme

From Monism to Multi-Door Justice: Rethinking Arbitration, Mediation and AJS in a People-Centered Justice Framework

The webinar will explore how formal and informal dispute resolution mechanisms can work together to create a more inclusive, accessible, and effective justice system that responds to the needs of communities while preserving the rule of law.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85648407663?pwd=Oi3vTYE3otok5uv7bdNYXkSGW6NW2X.1

Distinguished Speakers

Participants will hear from leading voices in the justice and ADR sectors, including:

  • Jemimah Collins Aluda – Head of Secretariat, Alternative Justice Systems (AJS)
  • Prof. Kenneth Wyne Mutuma – Chairperson, Ciarb Kenya Branch
  • Dr. Steve Ouma Akoth – Vice Chairperson, National Steering Committee on Implementation, AJS
  • Hon. Lady Justice Ann Mwaure – Member, National Steering Committee on Implementation, AJS
  • Hon. Justice Richard Mwongo – Presiding Judge, Embu High Court

Event Details

Date: 11th June 2026
Time: 1400HRS EAT

The webinar forms part of ongoing efforts by Ciarb Kenya and its partners to promote dialogue on innovative and people-centred approaches to dispute resolution, while supporting the broader objectives of access to justice and social cohesion.

Looking Ahead to the 4th Annual AJS Conference 2026

The webinar also serves as a precursor to the 4th Annual AJS Conference 2026, where Ciarb Kenya will participate as a Strategic Partner. The conference will bring together policymakers, judicial officers, ADR practitioners, community leaders, academics, and development partners to advance conversations on justice, culture, community engagement, and dispute resolution.

Through this partnership, Ciarb Kenya reaffirms its commitment to strengthening Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) as complementary pathways for resolving disputes and enhancing public confidence in justice institutions.

We invite members, practitioners, and all stakeholders interested in the future of dispute resolution to join the conversation and contribute to shaping a more inclusive and people-centred justice framework.

More Insights

Uncategorized

ROUNDTABLE REPORT: Alternative Dispute Resolution for Small and Medium Enterprises in Kenya

1. Background and Context  Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of Kenya’s economy,  contributing approximately 33% of GDP and employing over 80% of the workforce outside  the agricultural sector. Despite this significance, SMEs remain disproportionately exposed  to commercial disputes that are costly, protracted, and frequently unresolved through  formal judicial channels.  The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) Kenya Branch convened a multi-stakeholder  roundtable to interrogate the landscape of dispute resolution for SMEs, assess the efficacy  of existing mechanisms, and identify entry points for scalable Alternative Dispute  Resolution (ADR) interventions. The roundtable convened representatives from the Micro  and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA), the Judiciary, the Kenya National Chamber of  Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), the financial sector, the insurance industry, and the  youth entrepreneurship ecosystem.  This report summarises the deliberations and perspectives presented by each  stakeholder group, and distills shared conclusions, identified gaps, and proposed areas of  partnership.  2. Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA) â€” Perspective  Presenters: Maureen Gachogo- Registrar.                       :Agnes Thiong’o- Senior legal officer.  2.1 Nature and Typology of Disputes in the SME Sector  MSEA’s frontline engagement with the SME ecosystem reveals that disputes within this  sector are diverse in character and frequently multi-layered. The Authority identified three  principal categories of disputes commonly encountered:  •Governance disputes: These arise within SME structures, particularly cooperatives,  chamas, and registered business associations, where disagreements over  leadership, profit-sharing, decision-making authority, and member obligations  create internal fractures. Such disputes, if unresolved, often result in enterprise  dissolution or significant productive loss.  •Resource disputes â€“ Land use: A recurring category of disputes involves access to  and use of land for business operations. These disputes frequently involve 

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